holier-than-thou

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

I like that Shetty doesn’t approach his work from a holier-than-thou perspective — his general vibe seems to be, This is what worked for me, and if you want to try it, cool.

From Los Angeles Times • Aug. 27, 2023

Plus I get to be holier-than-thou to almost everyone I know!

From Slate • Jun. 18, 2023

“Being green is not a charitable sort of self-flagellating, holier-than-thou exercise. It’s a good business model. That’s what we’d like to show,” said Coldplay lead singer Chris Martin.

From Seattle Times • May 16, 2022

“Well, speak for yourself. I don’t hate my husband,” one of you holier-than-thou marrieds might announce, folding your hands primly in your lap.

From New York Times • Dec. 24, 2021

This was his regular move, a kind of holier-than-thou decision process that drove Toby nuts.

From "We'll Fly Away" by Bryan Bliss